Moving this custom ’Bird down the road is a ’65 Ford FE, 390-inch, that Jim Van Gordon rebuilt with a mild cam and balanced internals that is attached to the ’60 Ford-O-Matic, the redesigned Cruise-O-Matic trans introduced in 1959. From here, the V-8 is topped with a polished aluminum Edelbrock intake and Edelbrock single four-barrel and covered with a highly detailed early Caddy-style “bat wing” air cleaner. The erstwhile points ignition was changed out in favor of electronic ignition, a Mallory coil, and ignited by an Optima battery, now trunk-mounted. The heads are roofed with Moon-polished finned valve covers, while the HHR exhaust is a full-custom 2-1/4-inch system. A modern version of the original radiator is used and is now cooled by twin-electric fans, foregoing the original block-driven hardware.

Sheetmetal mods are the cornerstone of any custom, from mild to wild. This ’60 T-bird is most assuredly “leaning” toward the wild custom end of the spectrum as it has significant tasteful alterations to the factory sheetmetal. These mods and subsequent bodywork come by way of HHR, while the PPG custom color blend was achieved by Albert De Alba of De Alba Autoworks (well known for his intricate paintjobs) and Paul Stoll (longtime PPG painter and hot rodder). Although subtle, one needs to look closely to realize there is a fair amount of paint graphics, and Philip Rincon of Phillips Finelines masterfully handled this.

Immediately, one notices the 2-1/4-inch top chop and custom trim, such as around the window frames. This is followed by the expansive custom front bumper and grille work, bookended by the custom headlights, the radiused corners on the hood, and the factory scoop removed. Next up, look at the redesigned quarter-panels featuring the extended “bullet” bodyline and wheel-opening skirts that blend well with the reworked tailfins. The rear sheetmetal also features extensive changes with the custom roll pan, bumpers bookending the frenched surface for the license plate and taillight assemblies. Underhood you can see a smoothed firewall and inner fenders, plus a number of other modifications throughout to enhance the final appearance.

Experience has shown us that extensive interior work follows extensive sheetmetal work. Peter’s ’60 custom ’Bird is no different. It shows off many well-thought-out custom touches through the stitchwork of Ultimate Auto Interiors in gold and crème leather. The work encompasses a pair of stock Ford front buckets riding on cut-down seat frames enhancing the headroom. Speaking of headroom, the headliner is dyed in gold cowhide to match the seating. Back onto seating, the rear buckets are custom-fabbed separated by the extended center console. The dash features custom-machined large bezels and embossed stainless steel panel home to the ignition and headlight switches and houses the New Vintage Woodward Series, original period style of gauges. The leather-wrapped dash is also the home for the Vintage Air A/C registers, while the dropdown of the center console accommodates the A/C controls and the factory steering column and wheel remain present. The prerequisite stereo system comes by way of the Art of Sound. The chore of wiring the entire ’Bird fell to HHR, as they handled all aspects.

As for show recognition, this past year, the custom T-bird made its maiden outing at the 2024 Grand National Roadster Show where it took home several premium awards. It was presented First in Radical Hardtop/Sedan Class and the George Barris Memorial Kustom D’Elegance. The job was well done and provided an excellent example of what a custom should be.